A town centre has been likened to an “alcoholic” by a retailer fighting to save its future.

Businessman Jonathan Batchelor, who runs Ramus Seafood Emporium in Ikley, says retailers and shoppers are turning a blind eye to the problems facing local businesses in the wake of the economic crisis.

He told a room of local business leaders that unless something is done to tackle the growing problems, independent shops like his will disappear from the town centre within two to five years.

Now the retailer, who is launching a shopping trail to boost trade in the town, is urging shoppers and shopkeepers to face up to the issues in a bid to beat the downturn.

In a speech to Ilkley Business Forum, Mr Batchelor said: “It’s like being an alcoholic – you can’t find a cure until you admit there's a problem.

“It’s time that Ilkley admitted that it’s shops are in danger.”

The retailer was speaking to the business group about his plans for a new Ilkley Shopping Trail to boost trade in Ilkley.

Traders have struggled in recent months and with the prospect of a new Tesco opening in Ilkley next year, Mr Batchelor claims existing shopkeepers need to work together to face the difficult trading conditions.

“We'll be working together for our benefit and for the benefit of our customers, old and new,” he said. “If retailers take part in these initiatives they will retain their independence, but they will no longer be alone.”

Mr Batchelor, who is working alongside Tim Tennant of the Art Shop, hopes to set up a group of up to 20 of Ilkley’s traders to create a trail around the town with events at every shop to encourage customers to take a fresh look at the town’s offer.

Meanwhile, Ilkley has been picked as one of 82 town centres around the country which could receive targeted help for reviving fortunes.

Traders have been encouraged to take part in a series of special workshops, backed by retail guru Mary Portas, which cover every stage of creating and running a successful business.

Members of Leeds Retail Skills Academy, based in Horsforth, gave the business forum a presentation about the Mary Portas Retail Workshops they can offer, after receiving national funding, which feature hints and tips for independent traders to become a success.

For more details about the Ilkley Shopping Trail, e-mail Jonathan Batchelor at jonathan@ramus.co.uk.

For more about the Ilkley Business Forum, e-mail chairman Paul Birch at pb.blackband@btinternet.com.